different way to spell?

Question

in europe they spell words such as favourite or colour with a U and in america they leave it out, why is that? does any one know?

Answer 1

The short answer is that spelling conventions like -our (colour, flavour) and -re (centre, theatre) came from French, which was introduced into England in the Norman Conquest of 1066. After that, French became, in effect, the "official language" of England, and dramatically influenced (and enriched) the English language.

However, spelling conventions in Britain and America were not codified until the 18th and 19th centuries. The British chose to keep the French influence, while the Americans, newly independent, chose to drop the "u", as a way of differentiating themselves from the former "mother country." Noah Webster, the dictionary author, had a lot to do with this, though he didn't invent it -- it was already taking place. He just chose to call it "correct."

As for why non-native English speakers in Europe and elsewhere use British spellings, it's because most countries consider British English the "correct" or "authentic" form of English. In fact, many foreign countries still teach students to speak English with an English accent, which often produces an odd effect.

Answer 2

Kimberlie, Kymberly, Madyson, Madeson, Madilyn, Madelyn, Sofia Emilie, Emilee Mackenzie Annia, Annah Isebelle, Isabel Abigiel, Abegial Khloe, Cholie Elizabet, Elisebeth Boys: Kayden, Kaiden Ayden, Aden Phin, Fin Carsen, Karson Bradon, Breyden Jason, Jaeson Dylen, Dillon Nickolas, Nikolas Jayden, Jaiden Kaleb, Calib Conner, Konner Lukas, Lucus

Answer 3

There are already some good answers here. Now if you are on a budget and don't want to keep printing out unnecessary u's you can just leave them out and save ink :) - By the way, we Americans still spell "velour" fabric with a u.

Answer 4

Americans spell phonetically ( As they say it ) and have amended the English language to suit their culture. Whereas the traditional English language as used by the English, has had many influences, many words originate from Latin or French, due to the many invasions in the past.

Answer 5

You've got good answers here.

Here is a site you might find interesting. It is about cutting out the surplus letters in spelling most words.

Answer 6

since when do Americans spell phonetically? Wouldn't that then be fonetikly?

Answer 7

i am a cockney we come from london we spell and talk diffrent to everyone lolol

Answer 8

becoz american take the easy way